NAIROBI, Kenya- The European Union (EU) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) unveiled a bold new initiative to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya.
The €4 million Stop FGM Now! – Komesha FGM SASA! program aims to eradicate this harmful practice over the next three years, focusing on high-prevalence regions.
The program will operate in collaboration with Kenyan civil society organizations, leveraging grassroots partnerships to implement prevention and response services in counties like Wajir, Garissa, and West Pokot, where FGM rates exceed 70pc.
The initiative underscores community involvement, ensuring survivors play active roles in advocacy efforts.
Henriette Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya, highlighted the importance of this community-driven model: “By partnering with frontline activists, we empower communities to lead the charge against FGM and safeguard the rights of women and girls.”
This approach complements Kenya’s existing legal arsenal, including the Prohibition of FGM Act (2011), which provides a strong framework for legal action and protection.
Despite progress, FGM remains deeply entrenched in Kenya’s cultural landscape. National prevalence among women aged 15-49 has dropped from 32pc in 2003 to 15pc in 2022.
However, pockets of resistance persist, particularly in regions where traditional norms overshadow legal and health considerations.
Anders Thomsen, UNFPA Representative in Kenya, reaffirmed the program’s focus on empowering women: “This initiative prioritizes the voices of women and girls, striving for a future where harmful practices are replaced by opportunity and equality.”
Globally, an estimated 4.4 million girls are at risk of FGM in 2024 alone—an alarming figure that translates to over 12,000 girls per day.
Programs like Stop FGM Now! play a crucial role in reversing these trends, showcasing Kenya as a beacon of change in the fight against gender-based violence.With its multi-faceted approach and significant financial backing, the Komesha FGM SASA! program offers a glimmer of hope for a world free from the shadow of FGM.
